Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Overview
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (WFRP) is a role-playing game set in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, a dark and grim fantasy setting. The game is characterized by its focus on grim and perilous survival, and its attention to detail in terms of character development, narrative design, and the rich lore of the Warhammer world.
History
The first edition of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay was published in 1986 by Games Workshop. This edition was heavily influenced by the mechanics and ethos of Dungeons & Dragons, but introduced a number of unique elements that set it apart. The game was known for its dark and gritty tone, a stark contrast to the high fantasy settings common in other role-playing games of the time.
The second edition was released in 2005 by Green Ronin Publishing, under license from Games Workshop. This edition refined the rules and expanded the setting, but maintained the grim and perilous tone of the original.
In 2018, the fourth edition of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay was released by Cubicle 7, who currently hold the license. This edition has been praised for its return to the roots of the game, with a focus on the grim and perilous survival aspects that defined the original release.
Gameplay
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay uses a percentile dice system for task resolution. This system involves rolling two ten-sided dice, one representing tens and the other units, to generate a number between 01 and 100. The player then compares this number to their character's skill or attribute to determine success or failure.
The game is known for its career system, which allows characters to progress through a variety of professions, each with their own unique skills and abilities. This system adds a level of realism and depth to character development not seen in many other role-playing games.
Combat in Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay is lethal and unforgiving, reflecting the grim and perilous world in which the game is set. The game uses a detailed hit location system, and injuries can have long-term effects on characters.
Setting
The game is set in the Old World, a place inspired by Europe during the late Middle Ages, but with the addition of fantasy elements such as magic and mythical creatures. The Old World is a dangerous place, filled with bandits, monsters, and dark forces.
The Empire, the largest and most powerful human nation in the Old World, is a central focus in Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. The Empire is a feudal society, riddled with political intrigue and threatened by numerous external and internal threats.
Magic in the Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay universe is a dangerous and unpredictable force. The game features a detailed magic system, with spells divided into different "lores" or schools of magic, each associated with different gods or aspects of the world.
Reception
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay has been well received by critics and players alike, praised for its depth, attention to detail, and the rich lore of its setting. The game's dark and gritty tone, combined with its focus on grim and perilous survival, sets it apart from many other fantasy role-playing games.